Most people get a filling and rarely think about it afterward. This is usually fine until something feels different, and suddenly you are wondering how old that filling actually is and whether it needs to be replaced.
Fillings do not last forever. Depending on the type, most hold up somewhere between 5 and 20 years. What you eat, how you care for your teeth, and whether you grind your teeth at night all affect how long a filling stays intact.
The Type of Filling Makes a Difference
Silver fillings have been around for a long time. They hold up well under pressure and tend to last 10 to 15 years, sometimes well past that. Dentists still use them regularly on back teeth because they are reliable and durable.
Tooth-colored dental fillings are what most people choose today, mainly because they blend in. They do the job well, but they do not hold up as long as the silver ones. Most last around 5 to 10 years before they start to show wear.
Gold fillings are less common now, but they are built to last. A gold filling can stay in good shape for 15 to 20 years. The process of placing one takes more time and costs more, but the durability is hard to match.
Ceramic fillings fall somewhere in the middle. They look natural and resist staining better than tooth-colored resin. With regular care, they typically last 10 to 15 years.
Things That Wear a Filling Down Faster
Grinding your teeth is one of the biggest factors. People who grind at night often do not realize it, but the pressure adds up and breaks down fillings much faster than normal chewing would.
What you eat matters too. Hard foods, chewing ice, and biting into things that are not food put stress on fillings that they are not built to handle. Over time, that leads to small fractures or causes the filling to shift.
Skipping regular brushing and flossing also shortens the life of a filling. When plaque builds up around the edges, decay can form underneath or around the restoration. Once that happens, the filling needs to come out and be replaced.
Signs That Something Is Wrong
You do not always feel it when a filling starts to fail, but when you do, these are the things to watch for:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that was not there before
- Pain when you bite down
- A crack or chip you can feel with your tongue
- A sense that your bite feels different from how it used to
- Darkening along the edge of the filling
If any of these show up, it is worth getting it looked at before the problem gets worse.
What Keeps Fillings in Good Shape
Brushing and flossing consistently is the most straightforward thing you can do. Beyond that, staying away from habits like chewing ice or biting hard candy reduces unnecessary wear.
If you grind your teeth, a night guard can make a real difference. And keeping up with dental visits means any issues get caught before they turn into something more involved.
Schedule Your Dental Exam
Dental fillings restore damaged teeth and prevent further decay, but you need to keep up with their care. Knowing how long they last helps in keeping up with oral health and staying on top of any necessary treatments.
Bay Colony Dental provides comprehensive dental care and repairs to help you maintain your oral health for longer. Call us at (281) 337-9000 to book an appointment and learn how to care for your dental fillings.